Shell says refinery incident ‘contained’

Shell says refinery incident 'contained'

Three workers at a Shell Canada refinery in Sarnia, Ontario were sent to hospital Friday morning following a hydrogen sulphide exposure at the facility.

“Shell can confirm the three workers were exposed to hydrogen sulphide (H2S) while cleaning equipment at the refinery,” a company statement said. “The workers are in local hospital in stable condition.”

Shell issued a hazardous materials alert following the incident, which occurred just before 8 a.m. at the refinery’s Corunna site. Shell spokesperson said contrary to earlier reports, it was “not a leak from the refinery.” The workers were exposed to hydrogen sulphide while cleaning equipment at the site.

“The incident has been contained and Shell is investigating. There is no material impact on production.”

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Exposure to low levels of hydrogen sulphide, a poisonous gas that smells like rotten eggs, can result in nausea, eye irritation and fluid in the lungs, while high exposure can lead to unconsciousness and death.

“Air monitoring equipment is in place and currently there are no detectable levels of harmful gases in the area, however local area residents may notice an odour,” the company said. “The local community was notified of the incident by a message on the community update line.”

Ministry of Labour spokesperson Matt Blajer said an inspector and occupational hygienist have been dispatched, and the Ministry of Environment is also investigating the incident, according to The Sarnia Observer.